Exploding Out Of The Glass And Onto The Wine Scene
Where It's Grown
Viognier hails from the northern Rhône in France, however, it has since made inroads into most major wine growing regions. The grapes success is even more miraculous when you consider how few acres there were dedicated to this varietal. According to Jancis Robinson’s Wine Grapes, “[Viognier] could be found on only 14 ha (35 acres) of vineyard as recently as fifty years ago. All of those vines were on the steep right bank of the Rhône just south of Lyon…”
The variety was almost on the point of extinction in the late 196os because the plant material then grown was highly susceptible to coulure and yields were discouragingly low. But as the particularly distinctive character of the variety -- became known and appreciated outside its region of origin, Viognier's fame spread so that by the 1980s curious growers from the Languedoc to California were experimenting with it and the quality of cuttings improved considerably.
Characteristics
In the vineyard, Viognier is an early budding varietal making it susceptible to spring frosts. Simply stated, the vine begins flowering before the last frost which increase the risk that the flowers could freeze, thereby hurting or possibly ruining the vintage before it even gets started.
Viognier performs well in warmer regions so long as there is enough water not to stress the vines.
Also used as a blending grape, particularly in Côte Rôtie where it is added in small quantities to be co-fermented with Syrah. Most people assume the purpose is to create a more expressive bouquet, and while that does happen, the main reason it is added to Syrah is to help stabilize the color.
Synonyms
There are not many other names that Viognier goes by; you will occasionally see Viogné, Vionnier, Viognier Jaune, or Viognier Vert.
In The Glass
Viognier is an incredibly distinctive varietal. Aromas of white peach, apricots, honeysuckle, and gingerbread overwhelm the senses as they explode out of the glass.
Producers of Note
Château Grillet - Rhône Valley
M. Chapoutier - Rhône Valley
Kleinood Wine Estate - Stellenbosch
Barboursville Vineyards - Virginia
Stags’ Leap Winery - California
Cayuse Vineyards - Washington State
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